Therapeutic Massage
Are you looking for a flexible healthcare profession in integrative medicine? Do you enjoy having a one-on-one connection with people? If so, becoming a massage therapist may be for you. Let Allegany College of Maryland's Therapeutic Massage program educate you in this growing health care career.
With more individuals exploring alternative methods for preventive care, professional therapeutic massage is increasingly in demand. For practitioners, massage offers great diversity and flexibility as a profession whether you choose to work full-time or simply supplement your current income with part-time work.
FULLY ACCREDITED MASSAGE PROGRAM
Comprised of non-clinical and clinical components, our program blends the science of anatomy and physiology with the art of massage. Our program's therapeutic massage clinic, held on-site in our Allied Health building, gives you the chance to practice Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release, and alternative therapies. (You must have a satisfactory health record on file prior to your clinical experience.) In addition to clinic experiences, you'll have the opportunity for fieldwork practice in seated massage.
As a Therapeutic Massage program student, you'll take classes at our Cumberland campus over the course of four semesters and two summer sessions. As you learn various massage modalities, ethics, business, and self care and develop your technique through four clinical courses of massage practice, you'll find yourself well prepared for the profession.
OUR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE PROGRAM HAS A 100% PASS RATE
In addition, you'll participate in community activities to promote the profession and educate people about the benefits of massage through presentations and chair massage events. Students in ACM's Therapeutic Massage program will participate in the Massage Club. The Massage Club is responsible for hosting a program open house each year and coordinates fundraisers to support their graduation banquet.
Upon completion of your Associate of Applied Science degree in Therapeutic Massage, you'll be eligible to take the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and meet the qualifications for applying for licensure in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. (For qualifications for other states, students must check with the appropriate licensing or certifying agency.)
Massage Therapy has been designated on the list of the top 25 fastest growing occupations by the US Department of Labor. In addition, with America’s increasing emphasis on wellness, students completing this program have a number of employment opportunities. Although the program doesn't guarantee employment, Massage Therapists are currently working in medical settings, spa and health club settings, as well as working for established therapists in private practices. Some even establish their own businesses. The average hourly salary for a massage therapist ranges from $20 to $40 depending on the locality and the setting.
MASSAGE THERAPY IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING OCCUPATIONS
The ACM Therapeutic Massage program is designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Maryland residents from counties other than Allegany County who register in this eligible program will be charged the out-of-county tuition rate. However, these students may be eligible to receive reimbursement for a portion of the cost difference between the in-county and out-of-county tuition rates. Funding availability for this program is based on funding from the state of Maryland and is thus subject to change each semester. Some restrictions apply. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Our Therapeutic Massage Program is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, and approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the Board of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Examiners.
As a Therapeutic Massage program student, you'll expand your knowledge and gain education through a variety of challenging courses, including:
- Introduction to Therapeutic Massage
- Massage, Anatomy, Physiology and Movement
- Principles of Therapeutic Massage I
- Principles of Therapeutic Massage II
- Principles of Therapeutic Massage III
- Principles of Alternative Therapies
- Anatomy and Physiology Interrelationships
- Holistic Approach to Wellness
- Legal and Ethical Topics in Therapeutic Massage
- Medical Massage
- Pathology for Therapeutic Massage
- Integrating Therapeutic Massage and Business Topics
- Clinical Practices (I-IV)
- Internship I
A full listing of program courses and their descriptions can be found in the credit catalog.
Therapeutic Massage program graduates enjoy enriching and rewarding careers at:
- Corporations
- Health Centers
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Physicians' offices
- Private Practice
- Professional Athletic Teams
- Retreat Centers
- Spas
- Wellness Centers
For more information regarding careers and salary information for massage therapist, please access the MT Industry Fact Sheet.
View Salary Information from the U.S. Dept. of Labor
Paula Jilanis, Associate Professor and Program Director
301-784-5191
pjilanis@allegany.edu
Allied Health 124
B.A., College of Notre Dame of Maryland
M.A., Tai Sophia Institute
L.M.T., Baltimore School of Massage
Kirsten Hansen, Instructor and Clinical Coordinator
301-784-5598
Allied Health 154A
BA - Skolen for Kropsterapi og Afspaending - Copenhagen
Sue Heiss, Instructor
301-784-5392
Allied Health 154A
BA - Frostburg State University
LMT - Garrett College
Lydia Savramis, Instructor
301-784-5392
Allied Health 154A
AAS - Allegany College of Maryland
Elaine Helmstetter, Program Secretary
301-784-5557
Allied Health 241
